The world has been devastated by the eruption of Mt. Deceit, leaving the northern half of the world covered in mud and ash. Farms and livestock are dying, and what remains of General Throne's army is trapped in the village of Pools.
But Lemuel is determined to retake Idumea. After all, he's got Corporal Shin by his side—undeniably Perrin Shin's grandson and, quike likely, Lemuel's long-lost son.
Young Pere, while uncomfortable with Lemuel's attention, still goes along with Throne's plans, because how else can he learn to take over the world himself?
Which leaves Perrin Shin wondering how his grandson became the dumbest man who ever willingly joined the army. Perrin's determined to preserve Young Pere at all costs, which is a little tricky to do since Perrin died last year.
But if the world doesn't follow the rules, why should he?